The latest fix is one proposed by Dr. Michael Van Ameringen, co-director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ont.

The Internet, Van Ameringen recently reported to the meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, can be used to help people self-diagnose emotional illness.

His clinic has devised a free test, available at www.macanxiety.com,with a list of questions to assess your emotional status.

I answered the questionnaire out of sheer curiosity to see how it worked. (You should also know that I flunked the test by stating that I don't like snakes. This placed me in the phobia category, which says I need help.

But I was not alone in getting an E grade.)

Van Ameringen reported that 90% of respondents who took the test met the criteria for a specific problem and should seek treatment.

It's hoped that the test, in the future, will speed up the process of getting help to those suffering from anxiety or mood disorders.

It reminded me of the "Ma Bell" psychiatrists in New York City.

Citizens of the Big Apple who preferred to remain anonymous could dial a shrink for help.

Anyone who thought they needed emotional help could call between 10 a. m. and 10 p. m.

All they needed was a credit card and a willingness to pay X amount of dollars every 10 minutes.